Direct Parliamentary Oversight of Government

There are a number of ways parliament can provide oversight to directly keep the government and public officials accountable.  One of the most important tools at their disposal is the parliamentary oversight committee.  Other tools include questioning Ministers on the floor of parliament at question time, conducting public hearings and inquiries, promoting the independent, adequate staffing of supreme audit institutions, anti-corruption commissions, and other specialized agencies. Another tool to support oversight is to promote a diverse media landscape, ensuring the protection of journalists, the support for freedom of information legislation and media accountability.  Parliamentary oversight committees have the potential to contribute to conflict prevention by: (i) ensuring that the policies and actions of the government are responsive to public demand; and (ii) being aware of how their work reinforces the public’s belief in the integrity of the government.  Two types of committees essential for parliament to fulfill its oversight function and encourage peace and stability in conflict-affected countries are: (a) specialized financial, or “money” committees which provide oversight of the budgetary process; and (b) parliamentary committees that provide oversight of the security sector so as to strengthen democratic control of the military, police services and intelligence sector.